University of Cologne: Researchers Discover a Fungal Protein That Causes Leaf Loss in Crops
August 07, 2026
August 07, 2026
KOLN, Germany, Aug. 7 -- The University of Cologne issued the following news release:
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Researchers discover a fungal protein that causes leaf loss in crops
For the first time, a research team led by Professor Dr Bart Thomma has succeeded in gaining insights into the genetic basis of "defoliation" caused by the pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae. A key protein they have identified is responsible for the aggressive nature of the fungus.
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Researchers discover a fungal protein that causes leaf loss in crops
For the first time, a research team led by Professor Dr Bart Thomma has succeeded in gaining insights into the genetic basis of "defoliation" caused by the pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae. A key protein they have identified is responsible for the aggressive nature of the fungus.